COVID-19 advice: Please follow current government advice and check opening times before travel.
Now the Residence of the President of Ireland, Áras an Uachtaráin, started as a modest brick house for the Phoenix Park Chief Ranger in 1751. It was subsequently acquired as an “occasional residence” for the Lords Lieutenants and gradually evolved to a large mansion. After Ireland gained independence, it was occupied by three Governors General between 1922 and 1937, prior to the first president Dr Douglas Hyde taking up residence there.
19th century architects Francis Johnston, Jacob Owen and Decimus Burton, and more recently, Raymond McGrath, as well as stuccodores Michael Stapleton and Bartholomew Cramillion, contributed to its gradual expansion, gardens and interiors. The Irish architect James Hoban may have used the garden front portico as the model for the façade of the White House.
Tickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on Saturdays from 9.30 am on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Free transport by bus is provided. Group and/or advance booking is not possible.
Guided tours re-commence (after Covid closures) on Saturday 9th July 2022.
July – December 2022: tours run at 10.00 am, 11.15 am, 12.30 pm, 1.45 pm and 3.00 pm. Closed 24-26 December.
(Please contact the Visitor Centre first to confirm that tours are taking place, as access can be restricted at times due to official State engagements – phone 01-6770095 or email at phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie)
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 6770095
Admission free.